The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission data shows that gamblers lost more than $14 million this year alone across Essendon’s two gambling venues, and more than $235 million since 2006.
“The board believes that the proposal would put the club at a competitive disadvantage, as we rely on revenue from our hospitality venues to support and invest in our AFL and AFLW programs, Windy Hill, and community programs,” the Bombers’ statement said.
The grassroots “No Pokies at Essendon” group is hoping for a change in the Bombers’ constitution.
Among other reasons to reject the amendment, the Bombers said any unplanned exit would impact the club’s ability to be “less financially dependent on AFL funding, and thereby, more independent in its operations”.
But Read rejected the Bombers’ claims.
“This argument is irrelevant to the proposed resolution, which has no bearing on Essendon’s ability to continue operating their gaming venues,” he said.
“The change we’re proposing doesn’t influence the club financially but, as a member-run organisation, a strong message with the vote would help ensure that an exit from pokies doesn’t get put in the too-hard basket.”
Essendon’s gaming venues at Windy Hill, which has 101 machines.Credit: Chris Hopkins
This masthead reported in October that Bombers received about $800,000 in additional funding from the AFL this year, in addition to the $12 million of base funding.
NoPE needs 75 per cent of members who vote to support the resolution in order for it to pass.
While Read has acknowledged the impact the loss of pokies would have on the club, he wants the resolution passed and written into the constitution to encourage the Bombers “to get out of pokies” and have alternate revenue streams.
The club, in its letter to members, pledged its “commitment to exploring alternative revenue streams that will allow us choice to exit gaming in a thoughtful and strategic way”.
“While the board recognises the social issues associated with any form of gambling and acknowledges that discussions are ongoing regarding the long-term implications of holding a gaming licence, the board believes that the proposed amendment to the club’s constitution is not in the best interests of the club.
“The board believes that the proposal would put the club at a competitive disadvantage, as we rely on revenue from our hospitality venues to support and invest in our AFL and AFLW programs, Windy Hill, and community programs.
“To illustrate this point, the club invests upwards of $1 million annually to maintain and curate the Windy Hill facility to be used as a community asset for the AFLW, VFL, VFLW, EDFL and Essendon Cricket Club seasons, as well as use by the Essendon Bowls Club. The club’s hospitality venues directly fund this investment.
“Furthermore, over the past 10 years, local sporting clubs in the Essendon and Melton regions have received in excess of $2 million in funding grants from the Essendon Football Club,” the Bombers said.
“These grants are directly linked to our hospitality venues. In 2024 alone, 23 organisations received funding from the Club to support grassroots and community activities. The removal of our gaming licence would result in the source of that funding disappearing.”
Read questioned the club’s statement that it was exploring new revenue streams.
“This point seeks to muddy the waters. Without a commitment to new revenue streams being used to replace gaming revenue, alternative revenue streams are just additional revenue streams,” Read said.
“While the club here tries to create the impression that they are exploring an exit, other arguments they present paint themselves as being dependent on their gaming venues.”
The Bombers were contacted for comment.
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